How to tell US from grey market camera

AllenBirnbach · #1 07-29-2006, 03:15 PM

I'm interested in buying a camera from someone who has a Canon camera in a sealed box. They bought it in a lot with a bunch of other gear, and don't know if it is a Canon USA warranteed camera, or grey market. I'm sure the warranty card inside would be the tip off, but is there something on the outside of the box that would tell us? Thanks.

Bob Varipapa · #2 07-29-2006, 10:15 PM

Sometimes, you'll see an international address or some other sign that it is not 'for the USA'

Still, might be worth it if it is a good deal!

DouglasUrner · #3 07-29-2006, 11:52 PM

See if the serial number is on the outside of the box and if it is, call Canon and ask. They should be able to tell you.

Doug

ChristopherStockman · #4 07-30-2006, 01:37 PM

Allen,
BEWARE!! My very first pro camera was/is Grey market. I cannot get it serviced anywhere period. It is a nikon D1X and I had no idea what "grey market" meant.
This may not be a "good deal" if anything is wrong with the camera.
Good luck,
Chris

DouglasUrner · #5 07-30-2006, 01:54 PM

Christopher, are/were you unable to get it serviced because you can't tell where you would need to send it? Or is there some other problem? I've heard rumors that even independant service shops can't work on them because a serial number is required to get get parts (or some such reason).

Does anybody have any experience buying a camera when living / working overseas? Do you end up in the situation where the camera can't be serviced when you go home? Or will the vendor support the camera as long as it was bought in the "right place?"

The global economy makes for some odd puzzles . . .

Doug

ChristopherStockman · #6 07-30-2006, 11:14 PM

Douglas,
What you stated is true. Independant service companies need to get parts from NikonUSA. When the independant told NUSA the serial number, they were denied parts for repair.
Chris

Bob Varipapa · #7 07-31-2006, 01:12 AM

BHPhoto sells some "imported" items which must be repaired at BH ---

From their web site:

"...A "direct import" item would have to be returned to B&H Photo-Video Corp. in New York City if it required in-warranty attention. A resident of the USA may wish to make the buying decision based on price, since the cost of shipping to an American service center or to us should be about equal..."